Hello there. Just joined Rennlist recently but have been looking and learning from the forums for a while. What a great resource. Finally very close to making a purchase after a long time looking, reading and doing research.

Like many on Rennlist, I have wanted a 911 from as far back as I can remember.

Here is my situation and was looking for some opinions on making a decision.

I am debating between two vehicles being sold by private owners:

Car 1
2002 996, aprox 50K, Cabriolet 3 owners, good service records from owner 2 and present owner (owned for 1 year). Clutch/flywheel/engine seals replaced at time of purchase last year, 3K miles ago.

NO PSM, Color RED with Black interior and soft top (no hard top).

Car 2
2000 996, Approx 42K, cabriolet , with hard top and wind deflector. 4 owners, Extensive service records, Especially from 3rd owner ($10K of work performed at Porsche Dealer). Current owner has had for 1 year and is a PCA member. Cluth replaced at 24K according to records, other work includes mufler replacement last year from present owner.

NO PSM, Color Silver, black interior, black soft top and a hard top.

Both vehicles I can get for a very similar price and drive very nice and I will be getting a PPI done on whichever one I choose. (I already have a reputable location for this and they saved me from a potentially bad purchase recently)

My question: Red is not on my top 3 color choices and not sure if I can get my head around having a red convertible (nothing against anyone who has a red porsche, just dont feel it is my color), but it is a 2002 (MK2, bigger engine (better?)). I like the silver one as it is better looking in my opinion, has a hard top also. Neither has PSM.

Also I have seen the same vehicle as Car 2 (same year/options/38K/2 owners) with PSM at a dealer asking a little more, but carfax shows that it has been services at a Porsche dealer all its life. Going to check it out soon.

PSM, read it is recommended to have. I am a good driver but not an advanced driver by any means. I know it is designed to help stabalise the vehicle in the event of a dangerous situation and will activate even when it has been switched off, and probably a good thing. But should it be a make or break?

So assuming many of you have come across this type of conundrum in your searches, what would you advise?

Thanks in advance to any advice you can offer.

 

Go with the Newest you can afford! Also if RED is not your favorite color DONT GET IT! just wait and search search search the rite one will come around

 

get the 02, the hard top--you can get it for around $500. not a big deal

 

Welcome AckyE. There are lots of Porsches for sale, be picky, choose the color you like and get one with complete records. The power difference is minimal between '00 and '02, someone will chime in with the actual difference. I don't have PSM on my '99 and I haven't driven one with it, but my coupe is a pleasure to drive nonetheless. Good luck in your search, don't be hasty.

 

+1 Don't settle. If you lool far and wide and are patient you will find your ideal car.

 

Where are you? This is a nice car.

http://www.weissachautohaus.com/cars...B/101206B.html

This shop is about $5K over market but they are usually clean cars.

 

I had a 2000 cab and now own a 2002 cab. The 02 is a bester car all around. The 3.6, headlights, exhaust, inside and outside changes are all great. The red is nce if you don't mind all the attention.

 

+1, MK2, C4 Cab, low miles, well optioned, but IMO, the price is still reasonable. A thorough PPI, Carfax, this would make a great first Pcar. Also, it could use some tasteful mods (upgrade front bumper, Aero skirts, exhaust). As kent mentioned, hard tops are available for these quite easily ($500-$700).

 

Red Porsche's are ugly


actually I really wasnt thinking red either, and even after I got it I figured it was the right car / wrong color... a year + later I have to say I really like the red....I would buy another one, still not my favorite, but its pretty easy to take care of and looks nice - unlike that "old man grey"

the way around the PSM system is a PCA membership and a few days out at a car control clinic with an instructor helping you get the car loose you you learn what to do....(notice I said CCC - NOT DE!)

too bad the clutch was replaced and ont the "you know what" but then again if you opt to do that you wont be out any other parts $

I am not as big a fan of the MKII's as some, the bigger motor is only noticable if you already get 10:10 out of the smaller one and most dont. I like certain things on the MKI's better than the MKII's but maybe thats because I had one and it reminds me of "good times"

 

Logic says newer is better.

My heart goes with the '00. I had a silver cab for 7 years, never tired of the color and always looked clean. Much perfer the mechanical cable throttle to the electronic on '01 up. Love the original GT1 headlights too. Hardtop is not a deal breaker, you can find them for <$500.

I would sit in and drive both. Check out the details and wear of the interiors, look in the front trunk, at the battery tray, tool kits, spare, etc. Also get them on a lift and look underneath. Are both clean, dry, free of rust and corrosion?

After doing this, think it over a couple of days. It will come to you.

 

I agree with Tarek -- if red isn't your color, don't get it.

It's nice that they have good service records -- that's something I didn't think about until after I'd bought it (it's not an issue now, but leaves me in the dark about what's been done, and won't help at resale time).

The prices seem high to me -- I see quite a few early 997 cabs in the $40-$55k range, which is 4 to 8 years newer than the ones you're looking at. That 2002 C4 Cab from Weissach that Chao pointed to seems like a nice car at a far more attractive price.

For a daily driver, I think PSM is really nice. Even more so if you plan on driving it year round (remember to budget for winter tires). I wouldn't think it was make or break for most people. If I was going to let my new-driver kids drive it a lot I'd feel differently.

 

If red is not on top of list don't do it only because is cheaper. Having records is good to have. PSM + 1
Be patient and keep looking. I know you are very excited to buy one but take some time or go with gut feeling. I have bought my cars using gut feeling (and of course use your brain)

 

Agree you shouldn't get a color you don't like. Be patient and the right one will come on the market. Also, get the newest one you can afford. Mk2 has some desirable improvements IMO.

 

My two cents, I have both year cars, one hard top one soft. I don't know where you live (weather related) but I doubt you'll ever use the hard top if you are in a warm to temperate climate. As stated above favor the newer car, but let the PPI do the talking. PSM is no big deal, helpful in the wet if needed but you can always slow down. I like P Cars in all colors, I've had black, white, red, they all rock.
Net you will love to drive which ever one you get

 

Thank you guys so much for sharing your wisdom. Can't believe I have had so many responses since I posted this last night! BTW, I am in Chicago. I should update my information. Just learning my way around the forum as a member.

So woke up this morning and have been in two minds still. After reading your replies I am still stuck.
- Kind of leaning towards the red for the later model (get the newest one you can afford).
- Also, the hard top does not really make a difference as I will not be doing winter driving (hopefully not)
- Really feel strongly about buying closer to home than expanding my search far and wide. That I may leave for my next purchase, once I have some more experience under my belt and I am sure fellow Rennlister's will guide me to the right places to get PPI etc.
-PSM Feel better that its not going to be a deal killer. And yes I can always join PCA (already got my application waiting ) and take some CCC lesons.
-The car Chao shows advertised, yes it is nice, and exactly $5k more than it should be. The red is similar, but C2.
- Either way, got my PPI guys, Midweest Eurosport, who have been extremely helpful and saved me from a rusty, rim bent, panel replaced overspray job of a 911 I took there as a somewhat novice in the game.
- Got a Benz dealer with a 2000 39K, asking $30k, same as the silver I looked at , but carfax shows always serviced at a P Dealer. They have called me 3 times since yesterday. It has PSM!! Lets see if I can get the link correctly in this thread. Any suggestions on negotiating the pricing if this one is a must have?

http://www.mercedesbenzofwestmont.co...st&PhotoType=1

BTW, my wife says just make a decision and stop talking about it!! She is all for me getting it and enjoying life. Little does she know how addictive this is and once I start looking at mods, watch out!!!

Thanks again guys. One day, maybe I will share some of my knowledge with a novice.